Dear potential volunteer,
Thank you for your interest in the Action of Human Movement (AHM NGO). AHM NGO was founded in 2004 and has a strong presence in almost 200 villages in the Kanchipuram district.
Volunteers are welcome to participate in numerous ways both to support AHM NGO in our work and also to fulfill your own personal development and goals. AHM NGO is open to volunteers contributing ideas for new projects and for the development of existing projects. More details can be found on our website .
About AHM NGO and Little Kanchipuram
You will be living and working in basic conditions, please ensure you are happy with this. TheAHM NGO accommodation is clean and safe. The village of Little Kanchipuram is small and friendly. There is safe filtered, UV treated drinking water available at all times and you will be provided with three home cooked meals a day. Refer to the News pages on the website for past testimonials from volunteers and visitors.
There is limited internet access in the AHM NGOoffice, which guests are welcome to use for a short time.
Much of India still suffers from irregular electricity supply and we are no different. We have a power down from between 10am – 12pm daily, and also at some unexpected times.
Location
AHM NGO office and accommodation is based in Little Kanchipuram, which is located on the outskirts of Kanchipuram Town in Tamil Nadu, 2.5 hours away from the city of Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in South-eastern India.
View location on Google Map.
Seasonal Weather
Extremely hot! Temperatures often reach between 30-40 degrees and although it cools down in the night it is only by a few degrees. The hottest time is May and June.
AHM NGO Dress Code
Volunteers are requested to dress modestly and in a manner appropriate to Indian cultural values. Men should wear long pants and shirts, not shorts or t-shirts. Women should wear loose clothing that covers midriff, shoulders and legs. Long pants or long skirts, with tops or shirts are suggested. Salwar kameez or saris are also appropriate. Inexpensive clothing is available locally. Since shoes are removed when going indoors in most buildings, slip-on shoes or sandals are easiest.
Single Women
Little Kanchipuram is a safe place and we have had many lone female travelers come to stay with us at AHM NGO. We always recommend that you take all necessary precautions as advised in your guide book. If you would like to be put in touch with one of our past volunteers please email us at
Recommended Items to bring to AHM NGO
(Consult your guide book for a definitive list of items to bring when visiting India)
- Raincoat/ waterproof jacket/poncho
- Inexpensive shower shoes (flip-flops or plastic sandals)
- Towel (pillow and sheets will be provided by AHM NGO)
- Mosquito net
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen (at least SPF30, UVA and UVB protection)
- Anti-histamine for allergies (good for those prone to mosquito bites).
- Flashlight and batteries – past visitors have found head lamps to be very useful
- Camera and film or charger (if your camera takes batteries, bring extra)
Travel
All volunteers are responsible for their own airfare, visas, insurance, and travel from airport and any other expenses incurred.
Travel from Chennai airport to Kanchipuram by taxi will cost Rs.850-Rs.1200 for the 65km journey. Prepaid taxis are readily available at the airport upon arrival, these charge a fair price. We recommend that you do not negotiate with someone who approaches you as they will usually overcharge.
AHM NGO can advise you on alternative travel, such as bus or train travel from Chennai airport or from a different location. Please email us for information.
Please contact AHM NGO if you wish to have us arrange travel for you:
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions
While in India you will encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in most other parts of the world. Pavements in India are irregular and often broken so pedestrians often walk along the edge of the road. As a pedestrian you must ensure that you are fully aware of the road around you. Ensure that you look in all directions when crossing the road, as cars do not stick to any set road markings. Take your time while you get accustomed to the road conditions, and the incessant honking of car horns.
Travel by road in India is unnerving and sometimes dangerous.
Travel at night is particularly hazardous and during the rainy season roads get easily flooded due to uneven road surfaces. Buses are usually driven fast, and without consideration for the rules of the road.
Trains are safer than buses, but train accidents still occur more frequently than in developed countries.
We do not recommend that you drive yourself in India unless you have been here for some time and had time to assess the driving conditions.
Phones
You are welcome to bring your own mobile phones with you. It is recommended that you buy a local SIM card while in India as this is significantly cheaper than using international cards, therefore make sure your phone is unlocked otherwise you will have to buy a new one or get it unlocked while over here. SIM cards can be purchased in Little Kanchipuram or in Chennai.
Alternatively, it is very easy and fairly inexpensive to buy calling cards.
Health/Vaccinations/Hygiene in India
In order to stay up to date with the latest travel advice, we strongly recommend that you visit the World Health Organisation (WHO) website where you can find full details on health issues relating to your travel including hygiene and vaccinations.
Please also note:
Tap water is unsafe to drink in India. Drink boiled or bottled water, or carbonated beverages, provided that the seal is intact. Avoid ice because it can be made from unsafe water. Do not rinse your mouth or toothbrush with tap water, and do not open your mouth in the shower. Do not purchase unsealed drinks or ice cream made by street vendors. These may contain untreated tap water and the equipment used may not have been properly cleaned. Coffee and tea made from boiling water are safe to drink. It is best to use ultra heat treated (UHT) or canned milk that has been pasteurised.
Please visit our website for more information.